This musket matches the pattern produced in Potsdam beginning in the early 18th century with some modifications over the decades. The lock plate is marked "POTSDAMMAGAZ" and "D[S?] E" likely indicating that it was manufactured under "David Splitgerber's Erben" [Erben=Heir] at the Potsdam Arsenal. The wrist has a brass initial plate with a motif indicating this musket was made during the reign of Frederick the Great (1740-1786). The trigger plate has an "IFM" proof mark, and there are some other unclear marks on the barrel. A very similar example is discussed in "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I", and muskets like this were certainly carried by some "Hessian" mercenaries fighting on behalf of the British. It has primarily brass furniture including the distinctively shaped brass ramrod pipes, a Prussian serpentine style side plate, and long, sculpted trigger guard. It is fitted with a nicely figured, nearly full length, walnut stock with "cows foot" butt, a sculpted buttplate, and sling swivels. The barrel is fitted with a brass blade sight and a correct steel trumpet headed ramrod is included. The trigger and cock also have the correct Prussian style curved ends.

Very good. The barrel and lock feature mottled dark brown patina with some light pitting near the breech and a few minor nicks and scrapes overall. The brass components have a very attractive aged golden patina with some darker patina in a few areas. The ramrod has some oxidation. The stock is fine with various minor dings and light scratches as well as a couple small scrapes and strike marks. Mechanically fine with mostly clear markings. The front screw from the trigger guard is absent and may have never been installed given there is not a corresponding hole in the wood. Overall this is a fine example of a Prussian musket that may have been on the losing side of the American Revolution.